European Parliament Slams Turkey – Demands Withdrawal of Troops From Cyprus

Brussels sends hard-hitting message to Ankara as MEPs push for Cyprus talks under bizonal federation framework

In a move sending shockwaves across the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Parliament has delivered a blunt political message to Turkey, approving a recommendation calling for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus and the immediate resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation framework.

The vote in Strasbourg was anything but symbolic. With 369 votes in favor, 160 against and 112 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted one of the toughest political texts directed at Ankara in recent years.

The signal from Brussels was unmistakable:

“The sovereignty of an EU member state cannot remain under military occupation,” European officials reportedly said behind closed doors, underscoring growing frustration inside the bloc over Turkey’s continued military presence on the island.

Direct accusation of international law violations

The recommendation, addressed to the European Council, the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, goes far beyond diplomatic language.

The text explicitly states that the continued presence of Turkish troops in the Republic of Cyprus constitutes:

• a violation of international law
• a breach of the sovereignty of an EU member state
• and an infringement of fundamental human rights.

According to parliamentary sources, the wording survived intense negotiations and pressure from multiple political groups seeking softer language.

“There were attempts to dilute the text, but the hardline position ultimately prevailed,” one EU parliamentary source revealed.

The Bizonal Federation formula returns to center stage

The European Parliament also reaffirmed that any settlement of the Cyprus issue must be based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.

This reference carries major political weight at a time when Turkey continues promoting a “two-state solution,” a position strongly opposed by both Nicosia and Brussels.

Diplomatic insiders say the timing is no coincidence. The report was approved ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September, where the Cyprus issue is expected to return to the international spotlight.

Behind the scenes: “Europe cannot keep looking away”

According to EU diplomatic sources, several MEPs pushed for even tougher wording against Ankara during closed-door discussions.

“The EU cannot preach rule of law while tolerating occupation troops on European soil,” one parliamentarian reportedly argued during negotiations.

Others urged caution, insisting communication channels with Turkey must remain open amid wider geopolitical tensions, energy insecurity and regional conflicts.

Still, the final outcome left little room for doubt: a broad majority in the European Parliament chose to send a powerful political message in support of the Republic of Cyprus.

Growing concern in Ankara as focus shifts to the UN

Turkish officials are said to be monitoring developments nervously, especially as Ankara attempts to rebuild relations with key European capitals.

In Nicosia, government officials described the vote as “a highly significant diplomatic and political development,” signaling that Cyprus intends to leverage the resolution at every major international forum in the coming months.

One thing is now clear: the Cyprus issue is returning forcefully to the top of Europe’s geopolitical agenda — and tensions are rising fast.

Source: pagenews.gr